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Sara Bejlek Stuns World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Cincinnati

Posted : 20 August 2026

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka suffered a major upset at the Cincinnati Open after Czech youngster Sara Bejlek defeated her 7-6 (9-7), 6-4 in the fourth round.

Bejlek, ranked 35th in the world, produced the biggest victory of her career against the top seed in a match that finished shortly after midnight. The 20-year-old's movement and consistency repeatedly frustrated Sabalenka and prevented the Belarusian from establishing control.

Sabalenka appeared to have the opening set within reach after moving ahead by a break. She also built a 5-1 advantage in the tiebreak, but Bejlek mounted an impressive comeback to take the set 9-7 after 65 minutes.

The Czech continued to apply pressure in the second set. Although Sabalenka attempted to fight back, Bejlek recovered from a 1-4 deficit by winning five consecutive games to complete the upset in straight sets.

The result marked Bejlek's first victory against a top-10 opponent and earned her a place in her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal. She will face American Madison Keys in the last eight.

Bejlek was visibly overwhelmed by the achievement after the match, describing the victory over the world's top-ranked player as an incredible moment.

For Sabalenka, the defeat adds to a difficult stretch heading into the US Open. She was eliminated in the fourth round at last week's Canadian Open and has now suffered another early exit ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season.

The loss could also have significant ranking consequences. Elena Rybakina has an opportunity to replace Sabalenka at No. 1 if she reaches the Cincinnati final.

 

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